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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump has issued another stark three-word warning to Iran amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The warning comes as the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, prepares to leave the Caribbean for the region, accompanied by a fleet of escort ships.

Trump told reporters that a second carrier could be deployed if the United States does not secure a nuclear deal with Iran, reiterating his demand for “no nuclear weapons, no missiles.” The move follows last month’s deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln and several destroyers after Iran’s crackdown on domestic protests, which reportedly killed thousands.

The former president met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to discuss the ongoing nuclear negotiations, stressing that a deal remains preferable to military confrontation. Iran, meanwhile, has condemned past foreign interference but insisted it does not seek to expand its nuclear program, with President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledging responsibility for the country’s recent internal unrest.

Experts warn that the deployment represents a serious escalation in regional tensions, amid statements from Iranian advisers that missile capabilities are non-negotiable. The situation continues to draw global attention as nations watch closely for the next steps in the standoff.

#DonaldTrump #Iran #USMilitary #USSgeraldRFord #MiddleEast #IranNuclear #USIsraelRelations #BenjaminNetanyahu #MasoudPezeshkian #NuclearDeal #GlobalTensions #MilitaryDeployment #InternationalNews #WorldNews #Geopolitics #MiddleEastConflict #NavalPower #NuclearNegotiations #DefenseNews #BreakingNews

2 days ago | [YT] | 0

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WESTERN CAPE — Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), describing it as nothing more than an election campaign speech filled with recycled promises.

Speaking after the address, delivered at Cape Town City Hall, Malema said the only positive aspect of the speech was Ramaphosa’s announcement that the South African National Defence Force would be deployed to the Western Cape to assist the South African Police Service in tackling gang violence and illegal mining.

“We are happy that the army is coming. We are going to restore law and order,” Malema said, adding that the rest of the speech consisted of promises the president has made repeatedly over the years, this time delivered with “more energy” but little substance.

The EFF leader also accused Ramaphosa of abusing a government platform to campaign for the ANC ahead of upcoming elections, criticising the formation of new task teams instead of taking accountability for failed projects. South Africans took to social media to share mixed reactions, with some agreeing that the speech lacked action, while others dismissed Malema’s criticism as predictable opposition politics.

#SONA2026 #JuliusMalema #CyrilRamaphosa #EFF #RedBerets #SANDF #GangViolence #WesternCape #SApolitics #StateOfTheNation #ParliamentSA #ElectionYear #Accountability #SouthAfricaNews #PoliticalDebate #Governance #PublicReaction #CurrentAffairsSA #ANC #LawAndOrder

2 days ago | [YT] | 0

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CAPE TOWN — President Cyril Ramaphosa has redeployed two cabinet ministers to urgently address the ongoing water crisis in Johannesburg, meaning they will not attend the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday night.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that the ministers of Water and Sanitation and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) were instructed to focus on stabilising water supply in the city. “The president has assigned the ministers to attend to the water crisis in Johannesburg urgently. They won’t be attending Sona as a result,” Magwenya said.

The deployed ministers are Pemmy Majodina, Minister of Water and Sanitation, and Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Magwenya said Ramaphosa views the crisis as deeply distressing and wants it resolved as soon as possible.

He added that the president’s concern extends beyond Gauteng, with water shortages reported in other parts of the country. Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation later tonight when he delivers SONA 2026 at Cape Town City Hall, where nearly 500 MPs, local government representatives and guests will be in attendance.

#SONA2026 #StateOfTheNation #CyrilRamaphosa #WaterCrisis #JoburgWater #CabinetSA #SouthAfricaNews #ParliamentSA #InfrastructureCrisis #WaterShortages #Governance #Cogta #WaterAndSanitation #LeadershipInAction #CurrentAffairsSA #BreakingNewsSA #CapeTown #SApolitics #PublicServices #NationalPriorities

2 days ago | [YT] | 0

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DURBAN — As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to deliver the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) later today, Durban residents and political parties have shared a growing list of demands, with education, jobs, housing, crime and the rising cost of living dominating concerns.

Some Durbanites told the Daily News they are tired of promises and want visible implementation. Nyaniso Msiya said government announcements often fail to translate into action. “There is too much talking and planning, with little implementation. Policies are introduced, but nothing materialises,” he said.

Others raised concerns about the cost of living. Natasha Chetty, who works in Musgrave, said stagnant wages are making survival increasingly difficult. “Our food and living expenses keep rising, but salaries don’t. We’re forced to work twice as hard just to survive,” she said.

Political parties also outlined firm expectations ahead of SONA. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) criticised the Government of National Unity (GNU), saying repeated promises have not been matched by delivery. Acting parliamentary leader Des van Rooyen said the economy remains stagnant and accused the GNU of failing to represent the poorest South Africans.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), a GNU partner, said it has “very high expectations” and wants decisive reforms instead of proposals. The party called for replacing BEE, ending cadre deployment, breaking Transnet and Eskom monopolies, devolving policing powers, and holding accounting officers personally liable for wasteful expenditure.

Other parties echoed similar concerns. BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane described SONA 2026 as “Zero Hour”, urging urgent action on crime, corruption and unemployment. GOOD Secretary-General Brett Herron highlighted education, criminal justice reform, housing and economic growth, while the IFP emphasised rural safety, youth unemployment, infrastructure and water security.

#SONA2026 #StateOfTheNation #SouthAfricaNews #CostOfLiving #JobCreation #CrimeInSA #EconomicGrowth #GNU #Accountability #PoliticalReform #EducationCrisis #HousingCrisis #UnemploymentSA #ZeroHour #CurrentAffairsSA #DurbanNews #ParliamentSA #LeadershipMatters #JusticeForAll #SAEconomy

2 days ago | [YT] | 0

Covera Trend

DURBAN — As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to deliver the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) later today, Durban residents and political parties have shared a growing list of demands, with education, jobs, housing, crime and the rising cost of living dominating concerns.

Some Durbanites told the Daily News they are tired of promises and want visible implementation. Nyaniso Msiya said government announcements often fail to translate into action. “There is too much talking and planning, with little implementation. Policies are introduced, but nothing materialises,” he said.

Others raised concerns about the cost of living. Natasha Chetty, who works in Musgrave, said stagnant wages are making survival increasingly difficult. “Our food and living expenses keep rising, but salaries don’t. We’re forced to work twice as hard just to survive,” she said.

Political parties also outlined firm expectations ahead of SONA. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) criticised the Government of National Unity (GNU), saying repeated promises have not been matched by delivery. Acting parliamentary leader Des van Rooyen said the economy remains stagnant and accused the GNU of failing to represent the poorest South Africans.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), a GNU partner, said it has “very high expectations” and wants decisive reforms instead of proposals. The party called for replacing BEE, ending cadre deployment, breaking Transnet and Eskom monopolies, devolving policing powers, and holding accounting officers personally liable for wasteful expenditure.

Other parties echoed similar concerns. BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane described SONA 2026 as “Zero Hour”, urging urgent action on crime, corruption and unemployment. GOOD Secretary-General Brett Herron highlighted education, criminal justice reform, housing and economic growth, while the IFP emphasised rural safety, youth unemployment, infrastructure and water security.

#SONA2026 #StateOfTheNation #SouthAfricaNews #CostOfLiving #JobCreation #CrimeInSA #EconomicGrowth #GNU #Accountability #PoliticalReform #EducationCrisis #HousingCrisis #UnemploymentSA #ZeroHour #CurrentAffairsSA #DurbanNews #ParliamentSA #LeadershipMatters #JusticeForAll #SAEconomy

3 days ago | [YT] | 0

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CAPE TOWN — An Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) senior investigator has told the Madlanga Commission that the investigation into the death of Emmanuel Mbense was significantly delayed due to the South African Police Service’s failure to report the case to the police watchdog.

Testifying on Wednesday, IPID senior investigator Nomsa Masuku said she only became involved after receiving a call from SAPS Parktown, following complaints by Mbense’s family. Mbense, a Brakpan resident, was found dead in April 2022, with his body dumped in Duduza Dam in Nigel, Gauteng, bearing visible injuries.

Masuku said she immediately arranged to meet the family and later obtained the case docket from Duduza police station, where the matter had been incorrectly registered as an inquest. The docket contained a witness statement confirming that police had visited Mbense’s home on the night he disappeared.

She told the commission that she was alarmed that SAPS failed to report the matter to IPID, despite finding Mbense’s driver’s licence and ID card on his body, which led officers to his residence. Witnesses also reported that the house was left in disarray following the police visit.

Masuku testified that Mbense’s body showed clear signs of injury and blood, which should have prompted the registration of a murder case. She later obtained a post-mortem report from Heidelberg pathology services, which confirmed the cause of death as head injuries caused by blunt force trauma, leading to the reclassification of the case from an inquest to murder.

She further revealed that a police reservist, Alexander Frits, allegedly misrepresented himself as a Hawks officer while collecting evidence from Mbense’s mother. Masuku said Frits claimed he was investigating a robbery involving Mbense’s truck, raising further concerns about misconduct in the handling of the case.

#BreakingNewsSA #IPID #MadlangaCommission #PoliceAccountability #JusticeForMbense #SAPS #CrimeNewsSA #RuleOfLaw #HumanRightsSA #MurderInvestigation #GautengNews #Accountability #LawEnforcementSA #IndependentOversight #CourtWatchSA #SouthAfricaNews #TrueCrimeSA #JusticeDelayed #SystemFailure #CurrentAffairsSA

3 days ago | [YT] | 0

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PRETORIA — A Gauteng police officer has been sentenced to 17 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of her husband in a case that has highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence in South Africa.

The North Gauteng High Court sentenced Sergeant Kate Lindiwe Hlongwane (47) of the Dube Police Station for the premeditated murder of her husband, Russel Hlongwane (40), the father of their three children. The killing took place in Soshanguve Extension 7 in January 2024.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), evidence revealed that Hlongwane had visited a sangoma earlier that day. Her husband traced the family vehicle to a high-risk area and confronted her, instructing her to return home. Later that night, the couple argued, after which they briefly left the house together.

In the early hours of the morning, the couple returned home, where Hlongwane shot her husband multiple times with her service firearm. He was later found bleeding outside the gate near a neighbour’s home and was rushed to Akasia Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Hlongwane pleaded not guilty, claiming the firearm discharged accidentally during a struggle. However, expert ballistic evidence presented by the State disproved her version, confirming the shots were fired from a distance. The court found her guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

During sentencing, the defence asked for leniency, citing her status as a first-time offender and mother of three. The court rejected this, with Judge Papi Mosopa noting a lack of remorse and emphasising the need to send a strong message against domestic violence, particularly when committed by law enforcement officials.

#BreakingNewsSA #CourtRuling #DomesticViolenceSA #SAPS #CrimeNewsSA #JusticeServed #GautengNews #PoliceAccountability #NoToGBV #TrueCrimeSA #LawAndOrder #HighCourtSA #ViolenceAgainstWomenAndMen #SouthAfricaNews #CrimeAndJustice #Sentencing #IPID #Accountability #CurrentAffairsSA #RuleOfLaw

3 days ago | [YT] | 0

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GAUTENG — The two men accused in the murder of popular radio and television personality Warrick ‘DJ Warras’ Stock appeared in court together for the first time this week as investigations into the high-profile killing continue.

Armindo Joaquim Pacula (25) and Victor Majola (44) face charges linked to the murder of DJ Warras, who was shot dead on 16 December 2025 in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD). Majola is accused of orchestrating the hit, while police allege Pacula was the gunman.

During court proceedings, Pacula, a Mozambican national, was brought into the courtroom under heavy armed escort, drawing attention from both the public and social media users. Unlike other accused persons, he was escorted in and out by armed officers and not taken to holding cells after proceedings concluded.

The court heard that DJ Warras was in the CBD inspecting the Zambezi Building, a property previously affected by hijacking, when he was gunned down outside. CCTV footage allegedly captured a dreadlocked man shooting the media personality, and police have confirmed that three suspects were questioned during the investigation.

The matter was postponed to 1 April 2026 after the State requested additional time to finalise outstanding evidence. Prosecutor Vincent Mochabela told the court that video footage, ballistic reports and other documents are still being analysed.

Pacula has previously raised concerns for his safety while in custody and was transferred from Sun City Prison to Modderbee Prison in Benoni. His legal representative has also indicated that he may consider entering into a plea agreement as the case progresses.

#DJWarras #WarrickStock #CrimeNewsSA #JoburgCBD #CourtUpdate #MurderTrial #SouthAfricaNews #JusticeForDJWarras #SAPS #HighProfileCase #BreakingNewsSA #CourtProceedings #TrueCrimeSA #LegalUpdate #GautengNews #PublicInterest #MediaPersonality #CrimeInvestigation #LawAndOrder #CurrentAffairsSA

3 days ago | [YT] | 0

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CAPE TOWN — Forensic fraud examiner Paul O’Sullivan on Wednesday intensified scrutiny on senior police leadership during his testimony before Parliament’s SAPS Ad Hoc Committee, questioning why KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi had remained silent on alleged criminal conduct within the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

O’Sullivan told MPs that he had been anonymously provided with affidavits from four PKTT members who allegedly admitted to receiving gratification from a University of Fort Hare official, identified as Plaatjies, who acted as a liaison during investigations at the institution. He claimed that despite these admissions, none of the implicated officers had been suspended, arrested, or criminally charged.

He further raised concerns about Mkhwanazi’s statements at both the Madlanga Commission and in Parliament, where the commissioner referred to managing informers. O’Sullivan argued that this raised procedural red flags, stating that Mkhwanazi did not have security clearance and was not part of Crime Intelligence, which he said is the only division authorised to manage informants.

Central to O’Sullivan’s testimony was the Crime Intelligence Secret Services Account, commonly referred to as the Slush Fund. He alleged that millions of rands were misappropriated due to a lack of oversight and internal factional battles within SAPS. According to O’Sullivan, the fund’s budget grew from R98 million in the 2012–13 financial year to approximately R600 million annually, without a corresponding reduction in crime.

O’Sullivan also told MPs that he had provided information to the Inspector-General of Intelligence regarding the alleged purchase of luxury hotel properties by Crime Intelligence, claiming the properties were bought at or above asking price. He said he has not received further communication from the Inspector-General’s office since submitting the information.

Addressing allegations against himself, O’Sullivan denied involvement in the procurement of spyware and clarified his relationship with Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, saying their interactions were strictly professional. He also confirmed sending a text message to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s chief of staff, Cedrick Nkabinde, during earlier hearings, insisting it was not a threat but a warning about allegedly lying under oath. The committee continues its inquiry as competing claims and counterclaims remain under examination.

#PaulOSullivan #SAPS #ParliamentSA #AdHocCommittee #PoliceAccountability #CrimeIntelligence #PoliticalKillingsTaskTeam #SouthAfricaNews #CorruptionProbe #RuleOfLaw #JusticeSystemSA #PoliceOversight #PublicHearings #GovernanceSA #BreakingNewsSA #NationalDebate #LawEnforcementSA #CoveraTrend #Accountability #CurrentAffairsSA

3 days ago | [YT] | 0

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CAPE TOWN — Day one of forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan’s testimony before Parliament’s SAPS Ad Hoc Committee was marked by tense exchanges and procedural disputes, as lawmakers debated how much time he should be allowed to present his evidence.

Members of Parliament requested that the time allocated to evidence leader Norman Arendse be limited, a move that drew a strong reaction from O’Sullivan. He responded angrily, warning that he would withdraw his cooperation if he was not permitted to present his version of events in full.

“I’ve come here to be interrogated on allegations made against me by criminals?” O’Sullivan told the committee, questioning the scope of the proceedings. He said he had not agreed to testify under conditions where, in his view, the focus shifted away from his evidence toward accusations against him.

MPs eventually agreed to allow O’Sullivan one additional hour on Wednesday to continue his testimony. However, O’Sullivan insisted that the remaining evidence could not realistically be covered within that timeframe, warning that limiting his time could undermine the purpose of the inquiry.

He further alleged that Parliament had previously heard what he described as “a pack of lies” from witnesses who, he claimed, should be facing criminal charges. O’Sullivan told the committee that he had taken legal steps to ensure that cases opened against those individuals are pursued through proper channels.

O’Sullivan is expected to return to the stand on Wednesday, when the committee will decide how to balance time constraints with its mandate to fully interrogate claims of misconduct, corruption, and interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

#PaulOSullivan #ParliamentSA #SAPSInquiry #AdHocCommittee #SouthAfricaNews #CrimeAndJustice #PoliceOversight #PoliticalAccountability #BreakingNewsSA #LegalProcess #GovernanceSA #PublicHearings #RuleOfLaw #NationalDebate #CommitteeHearings #CoveraTrend #JusticeSystemSA #SApolitics #LawEnforcement #CurrentAffairsSA

4 days ago | [YT] | 0